Our Story
Building a photography studio that honours authenticity, artistry, and human connection
What We Believe
Great photography isn't about the latest camera or the most Instagram followers—it's about seeing people truly, capturing moments honestly, and creating images that resonate long after the shutter clicks. Our job isn't to manufacture perfection but to reveal the beauty that's already there.
We believe every person has a story worth telling. Every wrinkle carries wisdom, every laugh reveals character, every quiet moment holds meaning. When we photograph someone, we're not just creating images—we're documenting who they are in this particular moment of their lives, preserving something real for future generations.
Photography is a conversation—between subject and photographer, between technical precision and artistic vision, between what's planned and what emerges spontaneously. We aim for images that feel simultaneously timeless and immediate, that honour tradition while embracing innovation.
Above all, we believe in showing up with intention. That means listening carefully to our clients, understanding their vision, creating comfortable spaces for authenticity, and continually asking ourselves: Are we capturing truth? Are we serving the story? Are we honouring the trust people place in us?
Elena Kovich
Elena grew up in Edmonton with a camera always within reach, but her photographic education took her around the world—from fashion studios in Paris to documentary work in Southeast Asia, then to the Pacific Northwest where she fell in love with natural light portraiture. After a decade traveling, she returned with a question: what would a photography studio look like if it prioritized genuine connection over commercial formulas?
Tenzaro is her answer. Not a rigid style, but an evolving approach. Elena's work blends editorial polish with documentary authenticity. She's as comfortable directing high-concept fashion shoots as she is quietly observing family dynamics, waiting for those unguarded moments that reveal who people truly are.
"I want people to see themselves honestly," she says, "not airbrushed into perfection, but captured in their authentic beauty—the real smile, the natural posture, the way light falls across their face when they're genuinely present. Everything else is just technique in service of truth."
Recognition
- Professional Photographers of Canada: Portrait Photographer of the Year, 2024
- Avenue Magazine: Edmonton's Best Portrait Studio, 2023
- Western Living: Artist to Watch, 2022
- Featured: Canadian Photography Magazine, Rangefinder, PDN
The Tenzaro Team
The artists and professionals behind every session
Sophie Martineau
Senior Photographer
Sophie specializes in family and lifestyle photography. Her gift is making people forget the camera exists—creating an environment so comfortable that kids play naturally and parents relax into genuine affection.
Marcus Chen
Commercial Photographer
Marcus brings editorial precision to every product and brand shoot. His background in graphic design means he understands not just how to capture beautiful images, but how they'll work across different platforms and marketing materials.
Amara Johnson
Studio Manager
Amara ensures every client experience exceeds expectations. From initial consultation to final delivery, she orchestrates the details that make sessions smooth, enjoyable, and professionally managed from start to finish.
Our Approach
Creating exceptional photography through thoughtful process
Client-Centered Process
Before every session, we have real conversations. What matters to you? What makes you uncomfortable? What's the story you want told? These aren't template questions—we genuinely listen, adapt our approach, and create sessions that honor your vision while bringing our artistic expertise.
Light as Language
We're obsessed with light—natural, studio, or a thoughtful combination. Every face is different; every moment calls for different illumination. We don't have a formula; we study how light interacts with each unique subject and shape it to reveal their best, most authentic self.
Thoughtful Post-Production
Our editing philosophy: enhance, don't transform. We remove distractions, balance colors, and polish technical elements—but we never erase what makes you uniquely you. The goal is images that look like you on your very best day, not like someone else entirely.
Community Commitment
Beyond running a photography business, we believe artists have a responsibility to give back. Tenzaro partners with local schools to teach photography basics, offers free headshots quarterly for job seekers through community organizations, and provides discounted rates for non-profit events and fundraisers.
We also mentor emerging photographers, host community gallery nights showcasing local artists, and donate portrait sessions to families facing hardship. Our success means nothing if it's not shared. We're committed to being good neighbours, ethical business owners, and active participants in making Edmonton's creative community stronger.
Let's Create Together
We'd love to tell your story through our lens